Buccio’s Gourmet Bistro
552 Lakehurst Road, Toms River
732-244-2240, buccios.com
Hours: Mon—Fri, 7 am—4 pm; Saturday, 7 am—3 pm. (Expanded summer hours; call ahead.)
Price: $
Style: Don’t let the strip-mall location fool you; this charming bistro—equal parts upscale deli and downtown coffee house—has delicious food. Order at the counter and a friendly server will bring your food almost before you can access the free WiFi.
Don’t Miss: Breakfast is a big part of Buccio’s business, but make a point to come for lunch. Scrumptious sandwiches and panini are made fresh to order. Check the daily specials. The mesquite-grilled chicken panini ($7) is a spicy mix of chicken, jack cheese, bacon, sautéed onions and chipotle mayonnaise. The Health Nut sandwich ($6.50) is peppercorn turkey, avocado, lettuce, tomato and havarti cheese served on a fresh ciabatta roll. All sandwiches come with a side of potato or pasta salad or cole slaw. Salads are healthy and equally hearty. Try Taste of Heaven ($7.75), with strawberries, feta and pecans over mixed greens. The tangy vanilla-bean vinaigrette is amazing. Save room for dessert. Cupcakes ($2—have the almond or the coconut) are baked daily on premises and are a decadent treat.
Heads Up: Owner Zak Peters, who opened Buccio’s last summer, has a creative menu that is frequently tweaked, so you won’t find the same old, same old.
The Scoop: Located in the backyard of Community Medical Center, Buccio’s is a far better choice than the hospital cafeteria. Take-out and catering are available.